This Lunar New Year, all the focus is on the pig.
Officially the Year of the Pig (or the boar), experts like Paul Ng, a feng shui master, philosopher and geomancer based in Toronto, said 2019 will be considered a “stable” year, a chance for many zodiac signs to restart.
“It’s almost like starting over again,” he told Global News. “It can mean major change… it’s going to be an interesting year.”
READ MORE: Edmonton’s Chinese Catholic Parish celebrates Year of the Pig with traditional carnival
Speaking with Refinery 29, Shenzhan Liao, director of education at China Institute’s School of Chinese Studies, told the site there is nothing wrong when it comes to being a pig.
She added in Chinese cultures, pigs are considered disciplined, hard-working, social and friendly.
Year of the Pig: What to expect
People born in the years 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019 are considered to fall under the Year of the Pig.
As the 12th zodiac animal, followers believe the pig represents a symbol of wealth — their big ears and chubby faces are also considered to be signs of good fortune.
Kids seen playing next to a large decorative pig commemoration during the preparation for Lunar New Year in Hong Kong. Credit Getty Images
But Ng added people born in the Year of the Pig may deal with some conflict in 2019. He recommended anyone born in these years to be more mobile (avoid sitting for long periods of time) and avoid gambling.
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Breaking down his predictions of each zodiac sign, Ng believes work-wise, people born in the Year of the Pig who work with blood — think health care and even butchers— will have a favourable year.
“Those in travel, logistics or international trade would also do well,” he said in a statement.
When it comes to relationships, Ng predicted people born in these years should avoid getting married this year. “When in conflict, take a step back,” he explained, adding pigs should put themselves in their partner’s shoes.
For health, Ng recommended paying attention to exercise and taking time to rest in 2019.
WATCH: Hong Kong village marks Year of the Pig with ‘Poon Choi’ feast
Who will have a good year?
Ng also said people born in the Year of the Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 and 1999) will have the best year. “You are likely the best of the 12 signs because you are connecting with the boar,” he wrote in his predictions.
Ng said rabbits will find promotions at work, romantic relationships and generally have a healthy year.
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For those Canadians celebrating the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, Ng said most families and communities have their own traditions they follow. Family get-togethers, spring cleaning and, of course, feasts are often on people’s agendas. Sharing fortune in red envelopes is also popular in households.
Liao added others decorate their houses with red and gold. “In China, red and gold are considered lucky colours since they are believed to convey happiness and prosperity,” she said.
WATCH: North Koreans celebrate Lunar New Year
Ng said while only a small number of Canadians follow their zodiac predictions to a tee, many do like to keep researching what the year has in store for them.
Lunar New Year begins on the new moon that appears Feb. 5, and is celebrated in China, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea and many other regions in the world. Happy New Year!
arti.patel@globalnews.ca